The Silver and Black’s roster is undergoing a major transformation under the guidance of General Manager Dave Ziegler, who is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to build a formidable team. The latest addition to the Raiders’ lineup is the talented wide receiver DeAndre Carter, who was lured away from the Los Angeles Chargers, a fellow AFC West rival. Carter’s standout performance in the 2022 season, with 46 receptions, three touchdowns, and 538 yards, made him a valuable acquisition for the Raiders.
During the recent NFL Owner’s meeting, McDaniels shed some light on the Raiders’ strategy for free agency. According to him, the team recognized the need for a significant influx of players, both in terms of starters and depth. However, the challenge was finding a balance between addressing crucial positions while also considering the market price of certain players. McDaniels said the team had to weigh their options carefully to determine the best course of action. Ultimately, the Raiders aimed to make practical decisions that would benefit the team in the long run.
DeAndre Carter’s impressive 2022 season likely caught the attention of Josh McDaniels and the Raiders. He started in seven games for the Chargers, catching 46 passes for 538 yards and three touchdowns, including a strong performance against the Raiders with four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. Carter’s ability to make plays downfield, as demonstrated by his 23-yard touchdown catch against the Raiders, could provide the Raiders with a much-needed deep threat in their offense. Despite being undersized at 5-8 and 188 pounds, Carter will be looking to make his mark in Las Vegas.
Carter’s journey to the Raiders was not a direct one. The wide receiver was initially signed to the Raiders practice squad in 2015, but he was released later that year. Soon after, the New England Patriots added him to their practice squad. Carter spent the 2016 offseason and training camp with the Patriots, but he was ultimately waived during the final roster cuts. However, it seems that during his time in New England, Carter made an impression on Raiders offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was previously with the Patriots. This led to Carter’s free-agent visit with the Raiders this offseason.
Another Former Charger?
The Raiders have continued its trend of targeting players who have previously played for the Chargers. In addition to signing defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, the Raiders have also acquired Brandon Facyson, who had previously played for the Raiders and Colts before his most recent stint with the Chargers. However, Facyson and Tillery are just the tips of the iceberg in the recent past, the Raiders have also signed Denzel Perryman, Casey Hayward Jr, Tyrell Williams, Tyron Johnson, Isaac Rochell, Darius Philon, Damion Square, and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, all of whom have played for the Chargers. It is yet to be seen whether the Raiders’ strategy of targeting former Chargers players will pay dividends for our beloved Raiders.
DeAndre Carter’s Contract Details
DeAndre Carter is signing a 1-year/$2.375 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.With the departure of Darren Waller, the Raiders have been looking to fill the void in their receiving corps. DeAndre Carter’s addition to the team provides another weapon for the Raiders, as he caught 46 passes for 538 yards and three touchdowns in his lone season with the Chargers. Carter’s impressive punt return average of 11.7 yards, which trailed only New England’s Marcus Jones (min. 29 returns), means he could also take over those responsibilities in Las Vegas and help save some wear and tear on Hunter Renfrow. Overall, Carter’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game make him a valuable addition to the Raiders’ roster.This is another low-risk potentially high-value signing for the Raiders .
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